Tragedy at the Svyatogorsk Lavra: Monks Attacked

On August 23, 2026, a serious crime occurred at the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church: a group of unknown individuals carried out an armed attack on the monastery’s residents, resulting in one death and two injuries.

According to , the press service of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra reports that the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. local time. The assailants entered the monastery grounds, where they killed the monk Varsonofy. According to available information, the victim’s body was found with multiple stab wounds, including injuries to the face.

In addition to the victim, Monk Gregory and novice Andrei were also injured by the attackers. Both were hospitalized with stab wounds and are currently under medical care. Law enforcement authorities and representatives of the monastery are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.